The Break (An Eddie Munson Story)

Chapter 23: Kraft Mac And Cheese Connoisseur (+5K views)

A/N: I'm sort of in shock, if I'm honest. I can't believe it...5K views! This is honestly so unexpected. Thank you so, so much for your continued support, votes and comments. It truly means a lot to an amateur writer, such as myself.

This chapter contains some mentions of Max's living arrangement, as mentioned in Season 4 Volume 1. So, if you haven't watched it, please be aware that these could be spoilers but as promised, there are still no details from Volume 2 included in this book.

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Much to your relief, the school day was finally over. You had survived all of your classes and managed to avoid crossing paths with the basketball team. As you made your way over to the stationary buses, you felt consoled by the knowledge, that known of the members would dare be seen taking public transport, as they preferred driving around in cars, solely funded by their moneyed parents.

Being privileged had its perks, you thought wryly, as you spied upon Jason, stood by his vehicle, chatting animatedly to Lucy's Sinclair. It was bittersweet to see the young boy you had babysat regularly on Saturdays, who had been so insistent on ritualistically eating sugary cereal, that you had smuggled in your backpack without his Mom's knowledge- grow into a talented athlete. Though neither of you spoke to one another anymore, you had occasionally snuck into the gymnasium, to catch the last few minutes of the team's latest victory. Your sadness was derived from knowing that, like you, he had pulled away from his core group, opting for popularity over genuine caring friendships. Not that you wholely blamed him for his decision- being associated to those with an abundance of privilege had its perks.

Still, you exercised an air of caution, as situated yourself near to the back of the bus, not wanting to be spotted by Jason or any of his lingering cohort.

As more passengers filed onto the bus, you were met with the unfamiliar sight of Max. Seeing her gave you a start, as it had been so, so long since you had talked to her, let alone been in her presence. Your stomach churned with guilt, as you recalled the last time you had even uttered a single word to her. It had been to express your sympathy for Billy's passing, at his funeral. She had looked just as drawn and weary them, as she did now. Feeling someone's gaze on her, Max turned in her seat, looking around for the peeping culprit. When your eyes met, you offered her a weak smile and a timid wave of your hand. She scowled in return, quickly faced her back towards you and promptly pressed play on her portable cassette player. Yeah, you thought gloomily, I deserve that.

The ride was without any notable disruptions, with the only point of curiosity being when you noticed Chrissy's house, during one of the stops. With it's perfect pastel exterior and picket fence, it could have been the sister property to your parents' residents. You noticed her car was not in the driveway, which you found strange. While you two were in no way close, she was a common presence throughout the school day, on the account of your many shared classes but you had not caught sight of her blonde ponytail or heard her sweet laughter that day. The last time you had seen one another was when Andy had become acquainted with your fists. You assumed that maybe she was unwell but something felt off about the situation.

Eventually, the vehicle ride comes to an end, as you reach the final stop. On the outskirts of town, very few students lived, with the main passengers consisting of you and Max. With you both descending the bus at the same stop, you watch her storm off in the direction of the trailer park, the dying sun setting her auburn hair a blaze with colour. Knowing that you will unlikely get another opportunity to talk with her again, you call out her name, in hopes that she'll stop. "Hey, Max, wait up!"

You ran to catch up with her, as her pace thankfully stalled to a fall stop, allowing you to reach her with some ease. "Hey." you panted, partially out of breath. You had never been one of the most athletic of people.